Etymology of 'dictionary': Where Does the Word Come From?
From Latin "dictionarium," meaning a collection of words and phrases. The root "dict" means "to say," so a dictionary is literally a collection of things that are said.
Origin
Latin
Word roots
- dict — say, speak
- ary — relating to
Literal meaning
relating to words/sayings
First used
1520s
Related words
- predict — say before
- dictate — say aloud for recording
- verdict — true saying
Fun fact
The first English dictionary was published in 1604 and had only 2,500 words!
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